The Value of Family Routines

Every family benefits from having routines. They help organize daily life and prevent chaos. Children thrive when routines are consistent, predictable, and regular.

Balancing Flexibility and Structure

One of the biggest challenges for families is establishing routines that are both comfortable and effective. The goal is to find a balance between the disorder that can come from a lack of structure and the boredom that can arise from routines that are too rigid. As a parent, it's helpful to review your household routines to make sure they serve their purpose. Here are some tips.

Weekday Mornings

• Prepare as much as possible the night before to make mornings smoother.

• Keep wake-up routines cheerful and positive. If your child isn't a morning person, play some upbeat music to lift their mood.

• Encourage your child to eat breakfast, even if they're not hungry. Breakfast is important for learning.

• Offer choices to avoid last-minute conflicts, such as asking whether they prefer to wear a blue jacket or a red one when it's chilly.

• Always say goodbye to your child with a hug and a wave to give them a positive start to their day.

After School

• Children need adult supervision in the middle childhood years. Many schools offer after-care options, or you can arrange transportation to reliable childcare providers.

• A healthy after-school routine might include a snack, exercise, relaxation, and study time, in whatever order suits your child best. After 6 to 8 hours of school, kids need active play to release energy and stay healthy.

Evenings

• Dinner should be a special family time. Whenever possible, eat together without distractions like electronic devices or television. This is a great time to share the day's activities and enjoy conversation.

• Encourage everyone to participate in dinner conversations and avoid negative comments. Use conversation starter cards to foster positive communication.

• After dinner, kids can help with chores, finish homework, and then relax by reading, chatting, playing games, or having some screen time.

Bedtime

• On school nights, set a regular bedtime for children. Adjust the lights-out time based on each child's age and sleep needs.

• Nighttime rituals such as storytelling, reading aloud, and singing can help ease children to sleep. Avoid stimulating activities before bed.

Weekends

• Weekend schedules vary, but they are great for family togetherness. Activities might include grocery shopping, visiting museums, doing chores together, or going on family hikes or bike rides.

• Consider inviting your child's friends over to strengthen social bonds and get to know your child's friends. Keep activities simple, like a family dinner followed by board games or a movie.

• While family time is important, parents should also set aside time for themselves to strengthen their relationship and set a positive example for their children. Kids can enjoy time with a trusted sitter while parents reconnect.

Sleep Safety Tips for Tired Parents

New parents understand that getting their baby to sleep through the night is a gradual process. Each baby is unique in their sleep patterns, but frequent waking every one to two hours is common.

It can be challenging for exhausted parents to avoid letting their baby sleep in unsafe places like their bed, sofa, or other risky areas, which can lead to sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).

Here are some strategies to ensure your baby sleeps safely while you're also trying to rest.

Establish Simple, Consistent Routines

Implement the same steps every day for naptime and bedtime. Work with your partner to develop a routine that you can both follow, such as giving a bath, rocking, swaddling, and placing your baby on their back in a crib or bassinet. Avoid padding, bumpers, blankets, and toys in the crib to prevent suffocation. While it may seem overwhelming initially, consistent practice will make the routine easier.

Stay Alert During Feedings

Consider your level of fatigue before starting a feeding session. To minimize risks if you might fall asleep:

• Avoid feeding on a couch or armchair.

• Remove all items and bedding from the area.

• Ask someone to stay with you while breastfeeding.

• Have a light snack and stay hydrated if breastfeeding.

• Set an alarm or listen to a podcast to stay awake. If you doze off while feeding, place your baby on their back in their crib or bassinet once you wake up.

Understand Your Baby's Sleep Patterns

It may be hard to believe, but newborns typically sleep 16 to 17 hours a day, waking every one to two hours at the end of each sleep cycle, which is normal. While your baby is your priority, it's also crucial to take care of your health. Nap or rest when your baby does and try to sleep right after their last feeding of the day.

Reduce Night Wakings

Although your baby needs to feed during the night, there are ways to help them fall back asleep quickly and rest well between feedings:

• Keep nighttime feedings calm and boring with dim lights to signal it's time to sleep afterward.

• Put your baby down while they're still slightly awake to encourage self-soothing.

• Try various self-soothing techniques, like looking at your baby, speaking softly, and gradually moving to light touch or rocking. Allow time between steps to give your baby a chance to soothe themselves.

Accept Help

Parenting can be tough, and everyone needs help at times. If you're feeling overwhelmed, ask a trusted friend, family member, or experienced parent to assist so you can rest and focus on your baby's safe sleep. Explain your safe sleep routine and ensure everyone follows it.

Taking care of an infant is one of the most challenging tasks, but remember that you're doing your best, and it will get easier.

Important Reminder

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed as a new parent is normal. If you're concerned about postpartum depression, talk to your doctor or reach out to your pediatrician for resources and support. Taking some time for self-care now will benefit both you and your baby in the long run.

Family Beach Safety: Enjoying the Sun, Sand, and Sea Securely

When the weather is pleasant, families often head to the water. Whether you prefer the ocean, a river, or a lake, these tips will help ensure your fun time remains hazard-free.

Select a Safe Location

1. Opt for Lifeguarded Beaches: Always choose beaches with lifeguards on duty.

2. Check Water Quality: Be aware of notices about water quality, rip currents, and shorebreaks. Remember, high bacteria levels in water also mean unsafe sand.

3. Inspect the Sand: Before setting up, check for sharp debris or washed-up items like sticks, bottles, or jellyfish. (Know how to treat jellyfish stings just in case.)

Safe Sand Play

1. Monitor Sand Holes: While building sandcastles, ensure holes are no deeper than the child's knee to prevent accidents. Avoid digging in sand dunes and always fill in holes before leaving.

2. Watch Water Temperature: Ideal swimming temperatures are between 82°F and 86°F (28°C to 30°C). If not posted, ask the lifeguard.

Be Weather-Wise

1. Heed Lightning Warnings: Seek shelter at the first sound of thunder, preferably in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle. Wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes before returning.

Shoreline Safety

1. Teach Water Respect: Kids should face the water to watch for waves and enter feet-first to gauge temperature and depth. Avoid diving from high points to prevent injuries.

2. Designate a Water Watcher: An adult with strong swimming skills should always keep an eye on the water, free from distractions like phones or alcohol.

3. Use Life Jackets Wisely: Young or weak swimmers should wear life jackets. Everyone should wear them when boating or participating in water sports.

4. Require Adult Permission: Kids should always check with an adult before entering the water.

5. Implement the Buddy System: For young kids, this means staying within arm's reach of an adult. Older kids should stick together in groups, and no one should swim alone.

Prevent Sunburn and Heat Illness

1. Prepare Your Skin: Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen, applying it 30 minutes before exposure. Reapply every two hours or after swimming.

2. Protect Infants: For babies under six months, use hats and lightweight clothing instead of sunscreen. Find a shady spot for them to play or nap.

3. Use Protective Beachwear: Rash guards and long-sleeved tops offer extra protection, especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Protect feet from hot sand with appropriate footwear.

4. Seek Shade: Securely anchor beach umbrellas and remember that they don’t provide full UV protection.

5. Stay Cool and Hydrated: Ensure kids drink plenty of water and take shade breaks to avoid heat illness.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable beach outing for the entire family.

Head Lice: Essential Information for Parents

Head lice are a prevalent issue, especially among school-aged children and their families. These tiny insects can cling to anyone's hair, regardless of cleanliness. Head lice are found globally in various environments, from homes and schools to rural and urban areas, and affect people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Although head lice are bothersome, they don't cause serious illness or transmit diseases. They can be treated at home, but it's important to consult a doctor first (refer to "Head Lice Medicines" below). Continue reading for tips on detecting, treating, and preventing the spread of head lice.

Understanding Head Lice

Head lice are small insects, about the size of a sesame seed (2–3 mm long). They are usually pale gray but can vary in color. A single insect is called a louse. Head lice feed on tiny amounts of blood from the scalp and can't survive more than a day without feeding.

What Are Nits?

Lice lay eggs, called nits, which they attach to hair close to the scalp. Nits are oval, about the size of a knot in thread (0.8 mm long and 0.3 mm wide), and usually yellow or white. They can blend with hair color, making them hard to see, and are often mistaken for dandruff or hair spray droplets. Nits attach firmly to hair with a sticky substance and remain on the hair shaft even after hatching.

Life Cycle of Head Lice

Head lice live about 28 days and develop in three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult louse.

• Egg or Nit: Nits hatch in 7 to 12 days, depending on temperature. They are typically found within 4 to 6 mm of the scalp and do not survive if farther away.

• Nymph: Nymphs look like adult lice but are smaller (about the size of a pinhead, 1.5 mm). They mature into adults 9-12 days after hatching.

• Adult Louse: An adult female can lay up to 10 eggs daily. Newly hatched eggs reach adulthood in about 12 to 14 days.

This cycle can repeat every three weeks if left untreated.

Prevalence of Head Lice

Head lice are most common in preschool and elementary school-aged children. Millions of school-aged children in the United States get head lice each year, though anyone can be affected. Head lice are found worldwide.

Transmission of Head Lice

Head lice crawl and cannot jump or fly. They primarily spread through close, prolonged head-to-head contact. There is a slight chance of spreading through shared items like combs, brushes, hats, and sports helmets.

Symptoms of Head Lice

The primary symptom is itching, especially where lice are present. It may take 4 to 6 weeks after lice infestation for the scalp to become sensitive to lice saliva and begin itching, primarily behind the ears or at the back of the neck. Itching can persist for weeks even after the lice are gone.

Checking for Head Lice

Regular checks can help spot lice before they multiply. Here's how to check:

• Find a well-lit area: Seat your child in a brightly lit room.

• Part the hair: Look for crawling lice and nits on the scalp section by section.

• Use a fine-tooth comb: A louse or nit comb helps search the scalp. Live lice avoid light and move quickly, while nits look like small white or yellow-brown specks firmly attached to hair near the scalp.

Comb-Out Method

The comb-out method can check for and help remove lice and nits after treatment but usually doesn't eliminate lice alone.

• Wet the hair.

• Use a fine-tooth comb: Comb through the hair in small sections.

• Wipe and examine: After each comb-through, wipe the comb on a wet paper towel and examine the towel and scalp.

• Repeat: Continue until you've combed through all the hair.

Treating Head Lice

Consult your child's doctor before starting treatment. Head lice medicine is the most effective treatment. Use the comb-out method every 2 to 3 days for 2 to 3 weeks after each treatment to remove nits and eggs. Follow these safety guidelines:

• Follow package instructions.

• Adult supervision: Only adults should apply the medicine.

• Rinse safely: Rinse the medicine off over a sink with warm water.

• Safety precautions: Store medicine out of children's reach and never leave a child alone with the medicine in their hair. Consult the doctor before using a second or third medicine.

Warning About Dangerous Home Remedies

Avoid dangerous products like gasoline, kerosene, and animal medicines. Home remedies like petroleum jelly, mayonnaise, tub margarine, essential oils, or olive oil are not proven effective.

Available Head Lice Medicines

Check with your child's doctor for approved treatments. Refer to the provided chart for a list of FDA-approved head lice medicines.

Additional Treatment Tips

• Wash items: Wash clothes, towels, hats, and bed linens in hot water and dry on high heat if used within two days before lice treatment.

• Avoid pesticides: Do not spray pesticides in your home.

• Check and treat all household members: Ensure everyone in the household is checked and treated if necessary.

School "No-Nit" Policies

Some schools have "no-nit" policies, but the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of School Nurses discourage these policies. They believe children should not miss school because of head lice.

Remember

Head lice do not pose serious health risks. Use safe products and treat head lice promptly to prevent spreading.

Parent Questions Answered: Traveling by Plane with Your Baby

Taking a baby on a plane can be a daunting task for most parents due to the unpredictability of both infants and air travel. However, with some advanced planning, the experience can be improved for everyone involved.

When is my baby old enough to fly? It's best to avoid flying with newborns under 7 days old. Ideally, wait until your baby is 2-3 months old to minimize the risk of catching infectious diseases in crowded airports.

Should my baby sit on my lap? While the FAA doesn't require tickets for children under 2 years, it's safer for your baby to have their own seat. Turbulence can make it difficult to hold onto your baby safely. If you don't buy a ticket for your baby, ask if the airline can provide an empty seat for a car seat.

The safest way for a baby to fly Use an FAA-approved car seat or airplane harness device. Infants under 20 pounds should be in a rear-facing car seat, and children between 20-40 pounds should be in a forward-facing car seat. The Child Aviation Restraint System (CARES) is another option for toddlers 22-44 pounds but isn't suitable for infants.

Car seat policies Car seats, booster seats, and strollers usually don't count as luggage, but policies vary by airline. It's a good idea to check with your airline. Gate-checking these items can reduce the risk of damage.

Choosing the best seat Opt for bulkhead rows with more space and avoid exit rows for safety. A window seat is preferable to keep your baby away from aisle traffic and potential spills. If using a car seat, it should be in a window seat.

Options for baby to lie down on long flights While buckling your baby into a car seat is safest, some airlines offer bassinets or "sky cots" for babies under 6 months and 20 pounds. Other options include booking three seats for a "sky couch" or using inflatable seat extenders if allowed by the airline. Always buckle your baby during takeoff, turbulence, and landing.

Bringing formula or breast milk through security You can bring liquid formula or breast milk through security in reasonable quantities, exempt from the 3-1-1 rule. Inform TSA and be prepared to have them inspected.

Keeping your baby comfortable Dress your baby in layers to adjust to varying cabin temperatures and pack extra clothes. Help relieve ear pain during takeoff and landing by breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Protect your baby from jet engine noise with cotton balls, earplugs, or noise-canceling headphones. Plan flights around your baby’s sleep schedule, but be prepared for unexpected delays.

Managing in-flight challenges Change your baby's diaper right before boarding and bring a changing pad for in-flight changes. Pack toys, books, and possibly a tablet for entertainment. Don’t be discouraged by disapproving looks if your baby cries—many parents understand and sympathize.

Travel documents For international travel, babies need a passport, which requires applying in person with a birth certificate and a recent photo. For domestic flights, a passport or proof of age may be necessary, depending on the airline's policies.

Best time to fly Choosing between day or night flights depends on your baby’s sleep patterns. Night flights might be better if your baby sleeps more reliably through the night.

By considering these tips and preparing in advance, traveling with an infant can be more manageable and less stressful for everyone involved.